Slovakia

A beautiful setting at the geographic center of Europe

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From the scenic roads winding through the northern mountains to the modern cities of Bratislava and Nitra, Slovakia has many adventures to offer right in the geographic center of Europe. A true “café culture,” cobblestone streets and delicious pastries paint the picture of Slovak towns, while beautiful mountains, plains, forests and famous hot springs and mud pools define the countryside.

Teens in Slovakia spend a lot of time outdoors, playing sports, especially soccer. There’s at least one soccer team in every village and town. Ice hockey is also popular. Slovakia is very mountainous and perfect for skiiing.

People & Community

You will probably live in a smaller town or village. Family activities include the movies, hiking, camping and attending  local festivals and other cultural events. 

School

Photo By Kurt Bauschardt
Photo By Kurt Bauschardt

You’ll likely attend a gymnasium, a highly competitive school that prepares students for university. School in Slovakia runs 8 am to 2:30 pm, Monday through Friday. You might find school to be more formal than in your country. The curriculum will include Slovak language, two foreign languages, history, art and culture, physical education, mathematics, biology, chemistry and physics.

Language

Slovak refers to an inhabitant of Slovakia, as well as the language. It is closely related to the other West Slavic languages, (primarily Czech), but also has been influenced by Latin, German, and English. AFS will provide language-learning materials in the beginning of your stay.

Food

Photo by Dushan Hanuska
Photo by Dushan Hanuska

Slovakian food tends focus on meat served with dumplings or potatoes. The national dish is bryndzove halusky, dumplings with cheese and bacon. You can also expect to have lots of bread with most meals and vegetables like cabbage and potatoes. Try the delicious pastries and sweets. Vegetarianism might not be very common but it’s possible to get by without eating meat.

Let AFS guide your intercultural adventure

With over 75 years of experience in student exchanges, we know what we’re doing when it comes to support and education! AFS provides comprehensive orientation for all students and families before, during and after your exchange – AFS volunteers and staff will be there to support and guide you the whole way through. In-person orientation camps in New Zealand and your host country are supplemented by our world-leading online Student Learning Journey, an interactive course that brings AFSers from around the world together to develop essential global skills, learn intercultural communication techniques, and practice social impact. This journey will help you maximise your experience, cope with the challenges of navigating a new culture and community, and gain knowledge, skills, and a global understanding throughout your time abroad and as you return to your home country. Find out more about our educational expertise here!

Explore the Programmes Available in Slovakia